HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1853
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported by House Committee On:
Health Care & Wellness
Title: An act relating to case management services for dangerous mentally ill offenders.
Brief Description: Concerning case management services for dangerous mentally ill offenders.
Sponsors: Representatives Cody, Green, Morrell, Appleton, Kenney, Moeller and Ormsby; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.
Brief History:
Health Care & Wellness: 2/14/07, 2/22/07 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 12 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Hinkle, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Barlow, Campbell, Condotta, Green, Moeller, Pedersen, Schual-Berke and Seaquist.
Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).
Background:
Offenders who suffer from a mental illness and pose a threat to public safety are identified
and provided additional mental health treatment when they are released from prison. A
Community Integration Program (Program) provides case management and support services
for these offenders upon re-entry into the community. The Program provides services and
treatment for up to five years after release from prison. The Department of Social and Health
Services is authorized to contract with Regional Support Networks (RSNs) to provide these
services. Currently this Program is found in four of the state's 13 RSNs.
Summary of Bill:
All RSNs are required to provide Community Integration Assistance Programs for offenders
who suffer from a mental illness and pose a threat to public safety.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) It is important that this service is available in all RSNs throughout the state.
(Opposed) This change will increase the potential liability of counties.
Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Green, prime sponsor; and Richard
Kellogg, Mental Health Department, Department of Social and Health Services.
(Opposed) Jean Wessman, Washington State Association of Counties.